At $22,750/yr net price, Saint Ambrose University graduates earn $59,531/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,531/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,750 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,531/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,531/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,300/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,945/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,111/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,236/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,806/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,657 | $29,574 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,287 | $41,000 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,377 | $27,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,358 | $62,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $27,648 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $49,019 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $23,152 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
The Risk Factor
62.8% of students at Saint Ambrose University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Ambrose University delivers solid but unspectacular financial returns, with graduates earning a median $59,531 after ten years against $25,000 in typical debt. The school's strength lies in its business and healthcare programs, which dominate the top-earning majors.
Business Administration graduates see the strongest returns at $78,657 annually, making this program a clear winner despite slightly higher debt loads. The nursing program offers steady middle-class earnings at $59,377 with manageable $27,000 debt. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions pay well at $66,287 but carry concerning $41,000 debt levels that could strain your budget early in your career.
Your biggest financial risk is the 37% chance you won't graduate, which would leave you with debt but no degree. The 84% retention rate suggests most students who start sophomore year will finish, but that initial year proves decisive.
Saint Ambrose makes financial sense if you're pursuing business or healthcare careers and value the smaller private school environment. The $22,750 net price positions it competitively against other private colleges in the Midwest. However, if you're undecided on major or interested in fields outside business and health sciences, you'll likely find better value at Iowa's public universities.
With only 28% of students receiving aid, Saint Ambrose appears to offer limited need-based assistance. Focus on merit scholarships if your grades and test scores are above average, as these may provide your best path to reducing costs at this tuition-dependent institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Ambrose University worth the tuition cost?
Saint Ambrose's $22,750 annual net price leads to median earnings of $59,531 after 10 years, which is below average for private colleges. The business and education programs show stronger returns, but the overall ROI is modest compared to similar schools.
What are the best paying majors at Saint Ambrose University?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $78,657 annually, followed by Educational Administration at $69,338. Industrial Engineering and Rehabilitation programs also exceed the school average, while nursing graduates earn closer to $59,377.
How much student debt do Saint Ambrose University graduates have?
Saint Ambrose graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With starting salaries around $59,531, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does Saint Ambrose University have good graduation rates?
Saint Ambrose's 62.8% graduation rate is concerning and below the national average for four-year colleges. This means over one-third of students don't finish, which significantly impacts the return on investment for those who don't graduate.